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Old 13-08-2012, 08:57   #1
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Sat Phone

Hi. I'm after a sat phone as a back up to my fleet broadband system.

I'm after one that I can plug a data cable into to get internet on my laptop. It would only be for emergency use if the other system goes down.

Can anyone help ?
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Old 13-08-2012, 09:23   #2
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Re: Sat Phone

Our Iridium Sat Phone is only capable of 9600 baud, which is far too slow to be able to browse the Internet. It is, though, fine for sending and receiving text-only emails and, obviously, for placing and receiving phone calls.

Fair winds and calm seas.
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Old 14-08-2012, 01:49   #3
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Re: Sat Phone

Would it be suitable to reciev grib files for weather forcasts ?
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Old 14-08-2012, 07:35   #4
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Re: Sat Phone

We receive GRIB files easily using our Iridium phone.
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Old 14-08-2012, 07:45   #5
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Re: Sat Phone

OK. Thanks. But I guess your not selling it ?
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Old 14-08-2012, 08:22   #6
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Re: Sat Phone

Oops. Sorry. I misunderstood the nature of your initial question. We are not selling ours.
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Old 14-08-2012, 08:33   #7
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Re: Sat Phone

Ha. Thats OK. Thaks for the info though.
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Old 14-08-2012, 09:00   #8
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Re: Sat Phone

If your objective is merely to down load GRIB files and make calls periodically, you can easily get by with a GlobalStar phone and service which is far less costly than an Iridium. The compromise is that you may have to wait for coverage from time-to-time. Coverage isn't bad but one does have to wait once in awhile. GlobalStar has been promising full-time coverage with new Sat's for years and may have, in fact, had some launched, but, if so, I haven't noticed any difference.

Should you have an interest in a GlobalStar phone, PM me as we have one-quite elaborate-that we are not using that I have been considering selling.

FWIW...
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Old 15-08-2012, 04:52   #9
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Re: Sat Phone

not to derail the thread... but by way of derailing the thread; when you say 'wait for coverage', what are we talking here? Just put the phone down for 5 minutes and try again, or pack it in and wait 5 hours? a day?
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Old 15-08-2012, 05:30   #10
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Re: Sat Phone

Quote:
Originally Posted by CapTim View Post
not to derail the thread... but by way of derailing the thread; when you say 'wait for coverage', what are we talking here? Just put the phone down for 5 minutes and try again, or pack it in and wait 5 hours? a day?
Coverages vary all day long from place to place. To get a better idea of coverages, click on Globalstar Call Times Tool click on the "I Agree" box and on the subsequent page, enter the Lat/Lon of some of the areas you think you'll be visiting.

FWIW...
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Old 24-08-2012, 04:29   #11
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Re: Sat Phone

Quote:
Originally Posted by nhschneider View Post
We receive GRIB files easily using our Iridium phone.
What sort of contract do you opperate ?
Pay as you go ?
It seems the sim cards run out quite quickly ?
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Old 24-08-2012, 06:03   #12
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Re: Sat Phone

We just bought a new SIM for our Iridium phone and it comes with 500 minutes and they expire if not used within a year from activation. The new SIM cost US$833.00, which is up significantly from the last time we purchased it. Regardless, we dislike making blue-water passages without it.

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Old 24-08-2012, 07:47   #13
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Re: Sat Phone

Gosh we get all that stuff with our old SSB, and we don't have as much money in it as what it cost ya for a yrs service !! I think I just have to keep on working with Old Fashion stuff LOL don't mean to jack your thread, I just can't believe they cost so much to buy and run one of these phones !! just my 2 cents
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